King Andragoras III arrival to the Kingdom after a victory

Andragoras III demonstrated exceptional skill and ambition from a young age. At 13, he earned the title of Shergir after hunting a lion, a prestigious achievement in Parsian tradition. A year later, at 14, he fought in his first battle and was recognized as a Mardan, marking his rise as a formidable warrior.

At 25, following the death of his father, Gotarzes II, Andragoras supported his elder brother, Osroes V, in ascending the throne. In return, Osroes appointed Andragoras as an Eran (high-ranking commander), allowing the two brothers to jointly oversee the governance of Pars. However, their relationship soured over a dispute concerning Queen Tahamine, leading to tensions between them. After Osroes’ death, Andragoras took the throne, ruling as King of Pars for the next sixteen years.

Andragoras earned the reputation of the “Undefeated King” due to his military success and dominance on the battlefield. However, his legendary status was shattered at the Battle of Atropatene, where the Lusitanian forces dealt Pars a devastating defeat. During the battle, he was captured and imprisoned by Hilmes, his half-brother and rival claimant to the throne.

Following his imprisonment, Andragoras eventually returned to Ecbatana, the capital of Pars, where he confronted Arslan, his adopted son and heir. However, before their conflict could be resolved, Innocentis VII, the ruler of Lusitania, unexpectedly intervened. Despite being in a weakened, near-dead state due to illness, Innocentis managed to grapple Andragoras from behind, taking everyone by surprise.

As Andragoras fought to free himself, he smashed Innocentis’ face repeatedly, breaking his bones in the struggle. However, Innocentis refused to release his grip, uttering a final prayer to his god before dragging Andragoras out of a tower window. The two rulers plummeted to their deaths, marking the simultaneous demise of both the Parsian and Lusitanian kings.

Andragoras III is a tall and physically imposing man, with a muscular build that reflects his warrior background. He is known for his stern and authoritative expression, which rarely wavers, embodying his unyielding pride and confidence as the ruler of Pars. His intimidating presence and commanding demeanor make him a formidable figure, both on the battlefield and in court.

Andragoras III is a proud and authoritative ruler, deeply devoted to the power and glory of Pars. Renowned for his bravery and military prowess, he built a reputation as an undefeated king, having never suffered defeat in battle until the Lusitanian invasion. His unyielding determination and strong leadership made him a formidable figure both on and off the battlefield.

However, Andragoras is also ruthless and politically ambitious, with rumors suggesting that he killed his elder brother, Osroes V, to seize the throne. His marriage to Queen Tahamine further fueled speculation that he eliminated his brother not only for power but also for his wife. While his strategic mind and warrior spirit made him a capable monarch, his alleged thirst for power and unyielding rule contributed to the internal conflicts that plagued Pars.

Despite his brutal leadership style, Andragoras is a highly skilled ruler and military leader, responsible for expanding Pars’s strength before the invasion. His iron-fisted rule ensured that Pars remained a dominant force in the region, though it also created resentment among his enemies and subordinates.

After his disappearance and presumed death, Andragoras’s absence led to a major power vacuum, allowing multiple factions including Arslan, Hilmes, and the Lusitanians, to compete for the throne.

However, once he escapes captivity, Andragoras refuses to acknowledge Arslan as his rightful successor, creating a new internal conflict within Pars.

While Arslan fights for a just and fair kingdom, Andragoras believes that rulership should be based on power, not ideals. His return creates tension, as he sees Arslan’s leadership as weak and unworthy, further complicating the struggle for the throne.

His authoritarian mindset clashes with Arslan’s more progressive vision, making him an obstacle as well as an ally against external threats.

Arslan
Despite his indulgence toward Queen Tahamine, Andragoras is notably strict with Arslan, treating him with harsh discipline and emotional detachment. While he expects Arslan to grow into a strong and capable ruler, he rarely shows warmth or encouragement, making their relationship distant and strained.

Speculation surrounds Arslan’s true parentage, with many believing that he was adopted rather than being Andragoras’ biological son. This theory is reinforced by Andragoras’ cold demeanor toward Arslan, in contrast to his favoritism toward Tahamine.

Tahamine
Tahamine is Andragoras’ wife, whom he married immediately after the death of his elder brother, Osroes V Tahamine’s previous husband. His sudden marriage to the widowed queen has led to speculation that he was involved in Osroes’ demise, though no official confirmation exists.

Andragoras is deeply infatuated with Tahamine, frequently showering her with lavish gifts brought back from his military campaigns. His attempts to win her affection, however, are consistently met with cold indifference, as Tahamine remains emotionally distant. Despite his status and power, Andragoras is unable to gain the intimacy he desires, making his relationship with Tahamine one-sided and unfulfilled.